TitleCRISPR-Cas-Induced Mutants Identify a Requirement for dSTIM in Larval Dopaminergic Cells of Drosophila melanogaster.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsPathak T, Trivedi D, Hasan G
JournalG3 (Bethesda)
Volume7
Issue3
Pagination923-933
Date Published2017 Mar 10
ISSN2160-1836
Abstract

Molecular components of store-operated calcium entry have been identified in the recent past and consist of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-resident calcium sensor STIM and the plasma membrane-localized calcium channel Orai. The physiological function of STIM and Orai is best defined in vertebrate immune cells. However, genetic studies with RNAi strains in Drosophila suggest a role in neuronal development and function. We generated a CRISPR-Cas-mediated deletion for the gene encoding STIM in Drosophila (dSTIM), which we demonstrate is larval lethal. To study STIM function in neurons, we merged the CRISPR-Cas9 method with the UAS-GAL4 system to generate either tissue- or cell type-specific inducible STIM knockouts (KOs). Our data identify an essential role for STIM in larval dopaminergic cells. The molecular basis for this cell-specific requirement needs further investigation.

DOI10.1534/g3.116.038539
Alternate JournalG3 (Bethesda)
PubMed ID28131984
PubMed Central IDPMC5345722
Grant ListP40 OD018537 / OD / NIH HHS / United States